Snoop dogg’s First Swansea Visit Ends with Late Drama and the ‘Smell Of Weed In The Tunnel’ Preston Boss Claims

It was a Championship fixture that drifted far beyond the usual midweek narrative.

When Snoop Dogg made his first appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium since becoming a minority owner of the club, the spotlight was always going to stretch beyond the touchline.

The American rapper’s presence for the 1-1 draw against Preston North End drew global attention, but it was Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom who delivered the soundbite that travelled fastest.

Speaking after the match, Heckingbottom joked that the only noticeable difference in the tunnel was “the smell of weed” before kick off.

The remark was widely interpreted as a tongue in cheek nod to Snoop Dogg’s long standing public persona and cultural associations with the drug.

There was no suggestion of anything untoward, and the comment appeared to be delivered in a light hearted manner.

Still, it ensured that what was already an unusual Championship evening became one of the most talked about stories in English football this week.

Snoop was welcomed with open arms in Swansea

Snoop Dogg, who joined Swansea’s ownership group in 2025, was greeted by a warm reception from home supporters.

The club leaned into the moment, distributing towels emblazoned with “Make Some Noise” as fans welcomed their high profile investor onto the pitch before kick off.

The 54 year old, dressed in Swansea colours, acknowledged the crowd and soaked in the atmosphere.

According to reports from the evening, he later visited the dressing room and met players and staff, underlining that his involvement is more than symbolic.

On the pitch, Swansea ensured the occasion did not fall flat. Preston took the lead through Daniel Jebbison in the first half, quietening the home support.

But the Swans pushed late and were rewarded in stoppage time when Liam Cullen headed home a dramatic equaliser to salvage a point.

The late goal sparked scenes of celebration that matched the pre match theatre. For a club navigating the grind of the Championship season, it felt like a moment that fused entertainment and competitive edge.

Celebrity investment in football is no longer a novelty, but Swansea’s link up with Snoop Dogg still represents a significant cultural crossover.

His involvement brings international visibility, commercial potential and a different audience to a club seeking to re establish itself as a force capable of pushing for promotion.

From a footballing perspective, the draw keeps Swansea’s campaign steady, though consistency will be key if they are to climb the table.

For Preston, it was a point earned away from home, even if the headlines were dominated by events off the pitch.

As for Heckingbottom’s quip, it will likely be remembered as part of the theatre of the night rather than a controversy.

Football thrives on personality, and this was a reminder that the Championship, often described as relentless and unforgiving, can still produce moments of levity.

Swansea now turn their attention back to league matters, with momentum from a spirited late comeback and the added spotlight that comes with celebrity ownership.

Whether Snoop Dogg becomes a regular presence remains to be seen, but his debut visit has already etched itself into Championship folklore.

For one night in South Wales, hip hop met hard graft, and the tunnel talk proved almost as memorable as the football itself.